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1935
2016
On Sunday, November 27, 2016, Elma Hueftle passed out of this life into our Life with Christ Jesus.
Elma was born April 27, 1935, in Dundee Scotland, the only child of John and Janet (Balharrie) Russell. Her father was a weaving mill manager; her mother a surgical nurse. During WWII bombings, Elma and her mother were evacuated from the city to rural areas.
As a student at the local Morgan Academy, Elma was blinded in a field hockey accident and home-schooled for a year during which she heard on radio the heart-changing Passion play by Dorothy L. Sayers and believed the good news of Christ Jesus. Her pastor had seen the promise in Elma and had early on engaged her with the Iona Community and the summer youth camps on the Island of Iona.
When she graduated from St. Andrews University with a degree in Logic and Metaphysics, she moved to the more exciting city of Edinburgh, first to teach second grade in a small coal-mining village nearby, then work as a probation officer. With her in Edinburgh, the pastor prompted her to go help the Old Kirk, a pastorate in a tough neighborhood (where she eventually met Keith Hueftle, an American minister assigned there by the Iona Community).
Marrying, they came to America: to a Detroit inter-racial pastorate, to the Detroit Riots of '67, to marching with Martin Luther King (in Detroit as well as in DC). Their house was home to interracial leadership, friends, and summer youth teams.
All three children were born in Detroit. Mothering and the training of mothers quickly became Elma's "career": leadership in a young mothers' co-op, and organizing immense parenting conferences. Then, as the children grew, she taught French, Shakespeare and Business English at the YMCA. With Keith, she became involved in leadership in the Cursillo movement, there and upon moving to southern Indiana.
In New Harmony, Elma worked with the Weaving Studio, the bookstore, and as "chef" for the Barn Abbey (Keith's ministry). She began a pre-school with friends, which continued on with their move to Evansville. In Evansville, she was invited to be a MOPS mentor for pre-school moms, a role she played for 18 years.
In all this, Elma has been primarily "Mom." Of all her many mini-vocations, mothering has been the greatest call on her life.
Elma is survived by her husband, O. Keith Hueftle; son, Ben (Amy) Hueftle; daughter, Jennifer (Larry) Reagan; son, Jonathan (Dana) Hueftle; and grandchildren, Conner, Ryan, and Cameron Reagan and Jonathan Caleb, Emily, Alec, and Samuel Hueftle.
Service will be at Alexander East Chapel, Saturday December 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service time.
The family thanks SouthernCare Hospice and the fine care of Evansville Protestant Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Barnabas Ministries for the widow of Barnabas Ministries' recent director, Rod Murray. Please indicate on the memo line of the check: Murray Memorial. Send to 2810 West Franklin Street, Evansville 47712. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 7, 2016
Alistair Brown
I remember Elma as a classmate and friend during our time at Morgan Academy and I was very sad to learn of her death.
December 5, 2016
Jimmy Smith
It is always sad, indeed upsetting, to hear of contemporaries who have passed away. I didn't know Elma well, but with only a fortnight between birthdays, we attended Morgan Academy at the same time. That jolly photo of Elma as she was then, helps to recall happy days.
December 4, 2016
Hugh McGrory
Keith and Family,
On behalf of Elma's many schoolmates who knew her as a teenager at Morgan Academy, Dundee, Scotland, I want to express our sorrow for your loss.
Elma was popular at school and she is still remembered with kindness and love.
December 3, 2016
Jeanne
Mrs. Hueftle was an inspiration for all. I know she is enjoying a reward for a life well lived.
December 2, 2016
Dear Keith, Ben, Jennifer, and Jonathan,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate Elma's life. She was always so wonderful to us and we thought the world of her. We're praying for your peace and comfort, and are sorry we can't be there Saturday to say this in person.
Keith and Libby (Miley) Wyatt
December 2, 2016
Alicia Nguyen
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for the loss of Elma. She was such joy and a blessing and key mentor to me for the time surrounding the Germany trip. God's hand was there in putting us together in prayer and friendship and I am forever grateful.
December 2, 2016
Dan Caldwell
Keith, so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
December 1, 2016
Tom & Jan Sharp
Keith, we are so sorry for your loss but excited for Elma.
You are in our prayers.
December 1, 2016
Maddy Overton
December 1, 2016
Jeary Flener
Keith and Family; please accept my deepest condolences upon the loss Elma. Even though she only touched my life briefly I cannot adequately express the impression she made upon my heart, mind and soul. From my perception she truly pursued Christ in his purest form with a servants heart full of love and joy. Her quick wit and graciousness were hallmarks of my memory and although she is no longer in our presence she will remain forever in our hearts and shall continue to bring a smile to my face, joy in my heart, and warmth in my soul.
November 30, 2016
I'm so sorry for ur loss, she was such an amazing women.
Sending u all kind thoughts for this moment Jodi moore
November 30, 2016
Ben, Amy, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dr. Roger Haywood and the staff at Evansville Eyecare Associates
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Alexander Funeral Home-East Chapel2115 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714
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